The Associate in Science in Geology for Transfer (AS-T) degree is designed for students aiming to transfer to a California State University (CSU) to pursue a bachelor's degree in geology or a related field. This program provides students with a strong foundation in the principles of geology, emphasizing the study of Earth's materials, processes, and history. The curriculum includes core courses in physical and historical geology, as well as foundational courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics. These subjects equip students with the analytical, observational, and problem-solving skills necessary for success in the field of geology.
Students completing this program will, (1) gain an understanding of Earth's physical structure, natural resources, and dynamic processes, including plate tectonics, volcanism, and erosion, (2) learn to analyze rock, mineral, and fossil specimens in both laboratory and field settings and (3) develop a solid foundation in scientific inquiry and quantitative reasoning applicable to geology and related disciplines. Graduates of the program can pursue careers in environmental consulting, natural resource exploration, geological research, or further studies in specialized areas like paleontology, seismology, or hydrology.
The Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing the AS-T are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.
To earn this Geology AS-T degree, students must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of the following major requirements with a minimum grade of "C" (or "P").
- Certified completion of the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), which requires a minimum of 34 units; and
- Completion of a minimum 60 Cal-GETC transferrable semester units with a minimum “C” grade required in each course. A “C” is defined as a minimum of 2.0 grade points on a 4.0 scale.
Students planning on transferring to a four-year institution and major in Geology should consult with a counselor regarding the transfer process and lower division requirements.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| GEOL 101 | Introduction to Physical Geology | 3 |
| GEOL 111 | Introduction to Physical Geology Laboratory | 1 |
| GEOL 112 | Historical Geology | 4 |
| CHEM 150 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CHEM 151 | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| MATH 250 | Single Variable Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 251 | Single Variable Calculus II | 4 |
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Total | 26 | |
| Total Units That May Be Double Counted | 7 | |
| General Education (Cal-GETC) Units | 34 | |
| Elective Units | 7 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
See Section on Degree, Certificate, and Transfer Information for additional information on the Associate Degrees for Transfer.
To earn an SBVC Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) students must complete the following General Education (GE) pattern:
Program Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Have an understanding of the significance of Plate Tectonics in the overall picture of geologic processes.
- Appreciate the magnitude of geologic time in explaining how the earth has changed over the course of geologic history.
- Recognize important rock-forming minerals; both as mineral samples and as they appear in common rocks.
- Identify the 3 major rock types (Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic) in field exposures.
- Recognize major land form features and explain what geologic processes were involved in their formation.
- Be prepared to transfer to an accredited 4-year degree granting institution and compete effectively against 'native' students in the same field of study.